Mizoram MP Seeks Probe into ₹187.9 Cr Land Deal

AIZAWL- Mizoram’s lone Rajya Sabha member K Vanlalvena has sought a high-level inquiry into an alleged ₹187.90 crore land acquisition deal, claiming serious irregularities and misuse of public funds.

In a letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Mizo National Front (MNF) leader urged the Centre to direct an appropriate central investigating agency to probe the acquisition of land near Lengpui Airport and Sihphir village on the outskirts of Aizawl.

According to Vanlalvena, the Mizoram government acquired the land purportedly for the Indian Air Force to establish air defence systems. He alleged that the land was purchased at “exorbitant rates” in violation of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

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The MP further alleged that statutory safeguards under the law were bypassed, including the publication of acquisition notifications in newspapers, mandatory consultation with village councils, and the conduct of Social Impact Assessments (SIA).

“As a result, public money amounting to over ₹187.90 crore appears to have been laundered through questionable intermediaries, raising serious concerns of corruption and collusion,” Vanlalvena stated in his letter, adding that those responsible must be held accountable.

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The alleged land deal has escalated into a political standoff between the opposition MNF and Indian National Congress, and the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM). All three parties have called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe after media reports brought the issue to light.

On Thursday, the MNF and Congress filed separate complaints with the state Chief Vigilance Officer and the Central Bureau of Investigation, seeking a federal investigation into the alleged scam.

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Although the ZPM initially announced that it would approach the CBI to establish its integrity, the party later reversed its decision. Mizoram Revenue Minister B Lalchhanzova said on Friday that the party’s Political Affairs Committee had decided to wait for the outcome of the Congress complaint before taking further steps.

However, Lalchhanzova said the government would grant prosecution sanction or consent to the CBI if the agency seeks permission to investigate.

The controversy centres on allegations that two individuals—who were reportedly not the original landowners—received the bulk of the compensation, with payments of approximately ₹70 crore and ₹117.90 crore respectively, while original landowners allegedly received minimal amounts.

Opposition parties also alleged that the acquisition process, which typically takes years, was completed in just 70 days, with the waiver of mandatory Social Impact Assessments and failure to notify village councils.

The ZPM government has denied wrongdoing and accused the previous MNF administration of attempting to permanently transfer the land to the IAF between 2019 and 2021, a move that would allegedly violate state land protection laws.